How Often Should Antifreeze Be Added to a New Car?
3 Answers
For vehicles with short operating times, it can be replaced every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. To prevent excessive foam formation, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency between the antifreeze and engine components, ensure the product is within its validity period when adding it. Long-lasting antifreeze can remain effective for up to three years. If suspended particles, sediment, or signs of deterioration or discoloration are found in the antifreeze, it should be replaced promptly, and the system should be cleaned. Types of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is generally categorized into three types: ethanol-water type, glycerol-water type, and ethylene glycol-water type. How to Choose Antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are its freezing point and boiling point. On the market, antifreeze comes in specifications with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Methods to Determine If Antifreeze Is Low: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to low antifreeze levels, though it could also be caused by excessively high temperatures inside the cylinder. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving; add antifreeze promptly. Check the water level marks on the antifreeze tank. The normal antifreeze level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To determine if antifreeze is low, observe the marks. If the antifreeze level is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of antifreeze.
From my experience, you basically don't need to worry about coolant for the first two years of a new car - the factory fill is sufficient. Just regularly pop open the engine hood to glance at the overflow tank, making sure the level stays between the Min and Max marks. If you notice it's below the minimum, first check for leaks in the hoses. If there are no leaks, buy the same color coolant and mix it with some distilled water to top it up. I remember my neighbor's car triggered the temperature warning light after just eight months - turned out it was a leaking radiator joint, completely unrelated to the coolant change interval. It's best to check before summer road trips since high temperatures accelerate evaporation.
Honestly, modern car antifreeze is incredibly durable these days. The manual's recommendation of a two-year or 40,000 km replacement interval is actually quite conservative. I check the expansion tank level every time I wash my car weekly, and it took three years before I needed to top it up with just half a bottle. The key point is to never mix different colored antifreeze - pink and blue together will form a gel-like substance, which is a nightmare to repair. Friends in northern regions must test the freezing point before winter; it's only safe if it doesn't freeze at -25°C. Once I saw a car with a cracked radiator on the roadside in Northeast China, all because they used substandard antifreeze.
